Sledding is so much fun!

My friend Kelly and I were talking the other day about how we are getting a bit older and how your likes change with the years. We talked about when we were kids, nothing excited us more than playing in the snow for hours at a time, only to be called in the house soaking wet and super cold. Now, we both agreed that the snow is pretty to look at, but to play in it is not really like it once was. After our Sunday sledding with my brother's family, I feel like my eyes have been reopened to the joy of snow. Matt bought a sled for Sammy and Conner to use, and for him and Steve to destroy. It was great seeing the little boys run down the hill and flop on their bellies- I guess it's more fun that way! My brother almost got himself killed by accidentally jumping his saucer down a steep hill, but boy was it funny to watch.

Remember the movie "Christmas Story" where the little brother Randy gets bundled up for school and can't put his arms down?- poor Conner, he was just like Randy.

I think Conner's face sums up our day-so much fun!

So Much Snow

We got so much snow this past weekend. I truly think it has been years since we have gotten this much snow. I am always amazed at how beautiful the snow is, there is something so lovely about the glittering freezingness. I think I lost Sammy's snow boots, or maybe accidentally gave them away- either way on Sunday they were nonexistent. Me being the queen of improvisation, used some garden galoshes- whatever works right? We were also blessed by having our dear friend Kyle, his girlfriend Maria, and our friends Chris and Belinda stop by for the evening on Sunday. Kyle is currently serving in Viajta, Hungary as a missionary, and Maria is visiting from Finland. We had a blast catching up, playing phase 10, and learning much about Finland.

After they left Steve and I decided to brave the crazy winter storm and venture out to the gym. We bribed the boys next door with our TV and goodies to go with it, in return for making sure Sammy stayed asleep. We are crazy! The gym hadn't been plowed yet and we had to run through a foot and a half of snow to get in. On the way home we got stuck twice and even had to chain the four wheel drive up. It was madness, but it was definitely and adventure.

Family Get Together

On Saturday the three of us trekked down to Orange County to enjoy some wonderful visits with my family. It was so great to see everyone, most of whom we haven't seen for a year or so. We got to talk about and plan some details about the cruise we are all going on in Feb. My cousin Jessica and I taught my cousin Kim's daughter to give wet willies- Sorry Kim. I know that I am kinda setting myself up for people to teach Sammy some interesting things, but oh well. We did also teach her a good thing- to throw the ball overhand, as Jess would say "not like a girl." I really miss that side of my family and have really had a rough time over the past couple of years just being around them. I think it brought up lots of emotion of not having my Mom around, and I think I felt like an outcast because of it. I have done a lot of maturing over these past years and have finally come to the realization that I am not my Mom and her issues are hers, and I don't have to carry that burden with me- even though I do quite often, but I am getting better. I am so grateful for my family, and I am super excited to go on vacation with them- 7 weeksSammy and Brytani

Christmas

Merry Christmas!! This year was the most laid back Christmas we've ever had. On Christmas Eve my brothers and sisters came over and we just had a blast. This was the first time in 6 years that we have spent it together, and it was much needed. Dinner was a breeze. I felt like I should be running around stressed about everything getting done, but it all was very smooth. We fried a couple of turkeys, our third time- and we are 100% sold.

All of us

Matt, Janae, and Conner

Us

Danielle, Wade, and Chelsey

Wade and Chelsey got to spend the night at our house and got to experience the joy of having a little kid in the house. We woke up at 4:45 am and opened all of our presents. Wade and Chels helped Sam open his. My brother is so good with Sammy. He would call Sam over to him, open a corner of the wrapping and coerce him to keep going. He was so patient and kind with him. It was so amazing to see that side of Wade.

Hat Boy

As I went to go tuck Sammy in before I went to bed last night I found the boy cuddled up with a hat on his head. He must have gotten up after Steve closed the door and got the hat to wear to bed.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

We finally got our tree. I am just overjoyed. Call me scrooge, but next year I am voting for a fakie. Don't get me wrong there is nothing like going to pick out a tree and the wonderful aroma that engulfs you, but I just want to be able to enjoy a tree for as long as we enjoy all our other decorations. Not to mention, I really want a tree that will live past the day we bring it home. I am not sure if it was the four cans of hairspray th at Steve put on it (a proven Mythbusters myth- it is supposed to make it last longer), or if it's the fact we got it from Home Depot, but I think that we should not be having needles covering the floor yet. Our tree looks great like always. Sammy is having a blast taking the ornaments off the tree and hiding them so he won't get in trouble. This morning he took a rocking horse ornament off and I saw him playing with it, he looked at me like "what mom, I'm just playing with this cool horsey" neigh, neigh he says as I go to take it from him, I love it mom, don't do this as he is kissing it, it must be his new best friend. WAHHH- Yes I am the meanest mom ever, I took the best friend away. I'm sure he will make another ornament friend before I know it.

Sammy searching for the perfect tree

Daddy can I help, Huh, Huh?

Sammy's new ornament- a round Cars ball. He loves his new ball!

Christmas lights galore!

Our house in all it's lit up glory. It seems like every week something more gets added- this week it was the moving deer and buck.